THE similarity is so uncanny, he has to be a walking, talking Living Doll.

Jimmy Jemain, voted the UK’s number one Cliff Richard tribute act for 2016, will be sending an audience wild at the Regent Centre in Christchurch tonight.

A runner-up in talent show Stars In Their Eyes in 1990, Jimmy has been plying his trade as national treasure Cliff for more than 20 years.

With even his speaking voice similar to that of Cliff ’s, calling from the Lake District, he said: “I went to school in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, and my English and drama teacher June Norris also happened to be Cliff Richard’s drama teacher.

“Cliff came back to play in the school music room and unveiled a plaque on the door which was dedicated to him. I decided I wanted to put a band together and after that Cliff came back to the school again and I ended going up on stage and performing Devil Woman.”

Jimmy regularly bumps into Cliff - he was even asked to perform at the star’s 70th birthday party.

He said: “When I saw Cliff a couple of years ago I asked him if he remembered coming to the school and lending me his microphone.”

Training as a car mechanic, Jimmy ended up singing in local discos. He was told that he looked and sounded like Cliff so put a short show together - leading to fame on ITV’s Star In Their Eyes. After becoming runner-up in the show to a Shirley Bassey sound-alike, Jimmy went on to tour Australia, New Zealand and Belgium with his act.

He said: “I always try and give 110 per cent in every show I do.The audience can expect a lot of music, a lot of fun and a great band.

“There will be a lot of family entertainment.”

Jimmy says his favourites Cliff tracks to perform are Golden, Ocean Deep, Move It and We Don’t Talk Any More. Cliff Richard & The Shadows: The Golden Years is at the Regent Centre tonight, Friday, September 2 at 7.30pm.

Tel: 01202 499199